Activities in Gabala

Nizami poetry theatre (17th century)

The poetry theatre named after Nizami is located in the city centre. Performan­ces based on the motives of Khamsa are staged in the open air in the garden of this theatre which is based at the 17th century Zarrabi Mosque. The word Zar­rabi means a jeweller. Zarrabi Street was known as a street of jewellers and craft­smen in the past.

Juma mosque (1896)

Islam started spreading in the 8th cen­tury. It was then that the construction of mosques on this territory was launched. The Juma mosque in Kamaltapa is one of these. It functioned as a mosque until 1921, but was subsequently used as a culture club, a court and a conference center. Since 1985, it has been a regional history museum.

Octagonal mosque (18th century)

Sacred place of Sheikh Mansur

The engraving on the gravestone says:

“Don’t think that those who have died in the path of Allah are dead. They are receiving a share from Allah. The grea­test ruler, Sultan Sheikh Ibrahim is per­petuated by Allah with this monument. This is the mausoleum of magnanimous Sheikh Mansur. May Allah enlighten his grave.” Other tombs are of his son and followers.

Komrat Baba tomb (5-7th centuries)

West of Chukhur Gabala above the Di­zaxli village, there is a 5th century Kom­rat temple. Currently a shrine for both Christians and Muslims, Komrat Baba is one of Gabala’s most important religio­us monuments and sacred places. There is little information about its history and name. There is, however, one legend.

Khanlar’s place

This is Gabala’s most popular recreation zone located in the forest on the Dami­raparan river and covering 15 hectares. Providing tourists with excellent service and delicious dishes since 1983, Khan­lar and his team have earned universal respect. What makes Khanlar’s place special is that everything served here is cultivated locally. Fruits and vegetables are gathered here, while the fish are kept in an artificial lake. In winter customers are served local game. Even marinades are made locally. In other words, this re­sembles a factory. Fried eggs with chic­ken, kebabs and, most importantly, the Doshama pilaf with ample chestnuts, greens and chicken are among Gabala’s irresistible dishes. Another interesting observation is the waiters zipping past with trays in their hands. They are al­ways on the run to prevent dishes from cooling down. When bidding farewell to customers, they always wish a good jo­urney and even throw a glass of water into your path as a symbol of luck.

Mijikh waterfall

North of the Laza village and on a terra­ce on the left bank of the Damiraparan river, there are Mijikh ruins. In the past, the village was built under a huge rock. The stones coming down from the rock have caused a serious damage to the vil­lage. Since it was difficult to travel to and fro Mijikh, people have left it. North-east of the Mijikh ruins there are large and ra­pid waterfalls.

The waterfalls are 7 km from Laza. It ta­kes an hour and a half to get here on horseback. There is no road. The place can be accessed by old Soviet hardwa­re as well, while the last 2 km can only be passed on foot. For those not riding horse, the journey is extremely difficult and dangerous. Even on horseback one spends a lot of energy. In the end, we reach a waterfall. However, it is too early to celebrate because it is only a baby waterfall. Finally, after three hours, we reach the Mijikh waterfall. It is necessary to have a local guide to come here.

It is certainly worth going through the­se extremes to see this magnificent 54-meter tall waterfall located 20 km from the district center, upwards from the Durja village at the foot of the Ca­ucasus mountain range. To approach it is extremely enjoyable. It takes some time though, as we have to jump over two huge rocks each the size of a truck. Then, between rocks, there is a narrow tunnel which takes you to an enormo­us pool. The sound of the waterfall is deafening. Since the water falls from a big height, it splashes about. Soaked to the skin, we part from the place full of unforgettable impressions.

Jotaari church (17th century)

The pride of villagers, this church is the last Alban Christian temple. There are four plane-trees as old as the temple it­self here. Nijvillagers say that residents of every neighborhood planted plane-trees here and local people still see them as a memory of their ancestors. The 17th century Alban church in the Jotaari neighborhood was officially opened on 19 May 2006, allowing Nij residents the opportunity to reunite with the church after 170 years of separation.